‘Canes name true freshman starter at QB

Miami (FL) will open the season with a true freshman at quarterback, as head coach Al Golden announced that Brad Kaaya will be the team's starter.

The 6-4, 206-pounder, who arrived in Coral Gables in May, beat out graduate transfer Jake Heaps.

The 18-year-old California native had a strong preseason camp as Golden and offensive coordinator James Coley looked for a replacement for the injured Ryan Williams. In his senior year at West Hills Chaminade High School, Kaaya threw for 3,855 yards and 27 touchdowns against six interceptions as the team won a state title. The pro-style signal-caller was recruited by UCLA and USC among others.

Expect the Hurricanes to rely a lot on star running back Duke Johnson early and often until Kaaya becomes comfortable as the starter. He will be working behind an experienced offensive line and will have a receiving corps featuring Phillip Dorsett, Herb Waters and Stacy Coley at his disposal.

The 'Canes open the season at Louisville next Monday night.

Dave Miller, the college football editor for the National Football Post, is on Twitter @Miller_Dave.

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